Effects of aging on attachment of Candida albicans to conventional heat-polymerized, CAD-CAM milled, and CAD-CAM 3D-printed acrylic resin bases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess Candida albicans attachment on conventionally fabricated (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA), CAD-CAM milled, and 3D-printed acrylic resin bases pre- and post-simulated thermal aging, along with examining material surface changes after aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six samples (10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm) for each of four material groups (conventional heat-polymerized PMMA, CAD-CAM milled acrylic resin base, CAD-CAM 3D-printed methacrylate resin base, CAD-CAM 3D-printed urethane methacrylate resin base) were subjected to 0, 1, or 2 years of simulated thermal aging. Microscopic images were taken before and after aging, and C. albicans attachment was quantified using cell proliferation assay (XTT). Statistical analysis employed analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Two-way factorial analysis showed no significant differences based on acrylic resin type or thermal aging (p = 0.344 and p = 0.091 respectively). However, C. albicans attachment significantly differed between 0- and 2-year thermally aged groups (p = 0.004), mainly due to elevated initial attachments on CAD-CAM milled acrylic resin base and CAD-CAM 3D-printed urethane methacrylate resin base. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the fabrication technique and material combination, no significant differences were found in C. albicans adhesion pre- or post- thermal aging. Milled and 3D-printed bases compared favorably with heat- polymerized PMMA in their affinity for C. albicans attachment and surface characteristics after aging. These findings indicate that the risk of patients developing denture stomatitis might not be linked to the type of acrylic resin or fabrication method used.

ASSOCIATIONS OF SERUM IONIZED CALCIUM, PHOSPHATE, AND PTH LEVELS WITH PARATHYROID SCAN IN PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between various biochemical parameters in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with positive and negative technetium-99 sestamibi (Tc) parathyroid scans performed with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). METHODS: This retrospective analysis was used to develop a logistic probability model. It included 218 patients with PHPT. The main outcome measures were serum total calcium, ionized calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), albumin, alkaline phosphatase, phosphate, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D, 24-h urinary calcium levels, and parathyroid adenoma weight. RESULTS: Individually, using cut-off levels of 6.0 mg/dL for ionized calcium, 3.0 mg/dL for phosphate, and 90 pg/mL for intact PTH, we found that 91.3% ( P = .005), 70.7% ( P = .004) and 87.90% ( P = .023) of the patients had a positive Tc scan with their corresponding strengths of associations in the parentheses. Similar significant associations were sustained in multivariate setting for serum ionized calcium ( P = .015), phosphate ( P = .016), and intact PTH ( P = .028). A logistic probability model was designed to predict the probability of being positive for Tc scan given a set of covariates. CONCLUSION: There are significant associations between the levels of serum ionized calcium, phosphate, intact PTH, and Tc scan positivity. Further studies with larger patient populations are needed. ABBREVIATIONS: BMI = body mass index; CT = computed tomography; CV = coefficient variation; DXA = dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism; PPV = positive predictive value; PTH = parathyroid hormone; SPECT = single-photon emission computed tomography; Tc = technetium-99 sestamibi.

Patient Preferences Comparing Linear Versus Purse String Closures in Dermatologic Surgery Utilizing a Novel Simulator-Based Educational Tool.

BACKGROUND: Patients often query in regard to cosmetic outcomes after cutaneous surgery. This study provides information on this topic by surveying preference on 2 skin closure methods, purse and linear. The authors used a novel method to poll opinions by incorporating simulated skin within the context of the survey. OBJECTIVE: To determine patient's preference for linear or purse string closure. Additional outcomes were to survey patient's opinions regarding which scar characteristics have the highest cosmetic impact, the cosmetic importance of a scar, and the utility of simulators, and patient photographs as methods of understanding closure techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were prospectively recruited to complete a survey. Data outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of association. RESULTS: About half of the participants (54.7%) preferred linear closure. Preference was independent of gender (p = .90) or having a prior linear or purse string closure (p = .17). Patient photographs were the most influential for determining preference according to 86.2% of participants; however, 88% of the participants found simulator devices useful for educational purposes. CONCLUSION: The methods in this survey may represent a venue for educating patients and incorporating their preferences into the choices they will make regarding dermatologic procedures, which they will undergo.